Scot jailed at Bicutan refuses deportation and vows to fight for justice

A Scottish man held at the Bureau of Immigration’s Bicutan Taguig jail has refused deportation in a bid to clear his name.

Frank Bohlert, aged 61, has been accused of abusing his ex-girlfriend but wants to fight the charges against him.

As we reported last month, Mr Bohlert was locked up on September 14 when his holiday visa expired and his former girlfriend Arlyn made allegations of cruelty against him under RA 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.

He is now sharing a cramped cell with 11 other detained foreign nationals.

His family had hoped he would be deported back to the UK following Foreign Office intervention.

But Mr Bohler wants to stay in the Philippines to seek justice after his laptop, car and money were allegedly stolen from his home in in Tanay, Rizal after he was jailed.

He has reportedly decided to remain behind bars until his case gets to court, which could take months or even years.

His family back in Scotland fear he is “banging his head against a brick wall”.

Bicutan is notorious

He moved to the country to start a new life shortly after he was made redundant from his machinery parts sales job in Scotland.

Mr Bohler at the Bicutan detention centre

His step-brother Graeme Simpson said: “He’s got nothing left. He wants to stay out there and fight to get his money back. I don’t know what good it will do.

“I think he’s banging his head against a brick wall.

“Everything is in her name because only Filipino people can buy property.”

Speaking to the Press and Journal, Mr Simpson added: “He could have been back home. It’s going to be difficult for him because he’s a foreigner in a different country.

“He’s got a phone in his cell now which they are letting him use.”

The Foreign Office is continuing to provide support to Mr Bohlert. A spokesman said: “We are providing support to a British man following his detention in the Philippines on 14 September.

“We are in contact with local authorities.”

The Bicutan detention centre is notorious for locking up foreigners for long periods, often without charge. We have previously reported on the case of Dave Bauer, who was locked up for six months before being deported. He was never formally charged with any crime.

For updates and information about foreigners being held in Bicutan, visit the campaigning website Voices From A Box